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St. Mary’s County commissioners realign $25,000 to substance‑misuse response after debate
Summary
After debate about creating a day‑reporting center, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County voted 3–2 to reallocate $25,000 of previously approved FY2016 funds to immediate substance‑misuse needs including replacement naloxone and pretrial screening and to support residential treatment access.
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County voted 3–2 on April 5 to realign $25,000 of previously approved FY2016 nonrecurring funds to immediate substance‑misuse response initiatives, after a debate about whether the money should be saved for a future day‑reporting center.
The money was originally part of a $100,000 allocation the board approved earlier in the fiscal year for substance‑abuse prevention and control. County Health Officer Dr. Brewster and Sheriff Tim Cameron proposed reallocating the $25,000 among naloxone (Narcan) replacement, pretrial substance‑abuse screening and residential treatment services to move people off existing waiting lists.
The reallocation was prompted after staffing and logistical questions led presenters to conclude the $25,000 would not support a standalone day‑reporting pilot as originally envisioned. Sheriff Tim Cameron said the initial estimate for a day‑reporting center had undercounted staffing needs: “25,000 would have put us on the road, but not come near the staffing necessary,” and he said the staffing plan would have required roughly 18 staff members.
Dr. Brewster urged continued funding for naloxone and access to treatment, saying the county had seen local success from earlier efforts. “We have certainly seen incredible, incredible, success with this initiative… the number I have is 22 lives saved in our community just in the last year and a half alone,” she said.
Sheriff Cameron told the commissioners his office has deployed naloxone about 20 times; he estimated replacement supply costs at roughly $8,000 and described the sheriff’s office preference for patrol officers to carry two doses rather than one. He also said a portion of the funds would support pretrial substance‑abuse screening and residential treatment slots for people currently on a waiting list.
Commissioner Randy Guy argued against reallocating funds earmarked for the day‑reporting pilot without a fuller plan, saying, “My position on this is I want the money returned back to the general fund.” Several other commissioners said they supported the reallocation for immediate, life‑saving needs but urged staff to bring a comprehensive plan for recurring funding and for the proposed day‑reporting center.
The motion to realign $25,000 passed on a 3–2 vote. County Administrator Dr. Rebecca Bridget told the board the reallocated funds would be recorded as realigned in FY2016 and indicated staff would work with the health department to develop a replacement schedule for naloxone and a clearer plan for outpatient and pretrial services funding.
Supporters said the reallocation will fund life‑saving naloxone for law enforcement and add pretrial screenings and residential treatment slots to reduce jail overcrowding and improve treatment access. Opponents said the county needs a comprehensive, recurring funding plan before shifting money away from the originally intended pilot.
The board directed county staff to coordinate with the Health Department on naloxone replacement timing and with the sheriff’s office and health partners on longer‑range planning for the proposed day‑reporting center and recurring treatment funding.
